Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Mayor Brent Greer has extended the county masking requirement order another seven days through Friday night, October 23rd. The existing order was set to expire this evening at midnight.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 63 on September 29th which continues to provide 89 rural Tennessee counties, including Henry County, the option to issue local masking requirements through October 30th to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Henry County Mayor Brent Greer said, “Although the State of Tennessee is seeing an increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations statewide, Henry County continues to experience lower positive case rates, averaging 3.86 cases reported each day for the past seven days. Today, the State Dept of Health is reporting the county has 42 active COVID-19 cases, which remains flat compared to the last several weeks. It’s difficult not to think masking is making a difference. Nationally, COVID-19 reports are indicating all U.S. states are trending upward with new positive cases this week. This is of concern to myself, our local government officials, and our local healthcare professionals. With both the Henry County and Paris Special Schools Districts on fall break this week, the need to remain vigilant and continue to use best practices to slow virus spread remains important to the health of our community.”
Henry County Medical Center provided an update on October 14 reporting three positive inpatients, one positive outpatient, and one inpatient waiting on test results. The Henry County Health Dept continues to provide free COVID testing averaging 15-30 persons per day. The Health Dept tests Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 10:30 AM by appointment only.